MA/MSc Archaeology

Studying archaeology at Leiden University is all about studying societies and cultures from the past, trying to reconstruct them and bring them back to life. You will apply your interest in the past to make a meaningful contribution to resolving present-day societal issues, such as migration, globalisation, and climate change.

Choosing Archaeology at Leiden University

• Choose from a wide variety of challenging regional and thematic specialisations.
• Study in a faculty that ranks in the top 10 worldwide in academic reputation and research impact (April 2022 QS World University Ranking by subject).
• Benefit from the tuition and support of our outstanding international faculty staff, whose members are involved in projects all over the world, with a strong emphasis on field archaeology.
• Work with top researchers and benefit from the strong connection between our current research projects and our curriculum.
• Gain a multidisciplinary focus by drawing on theories, methods and techniques from the humanities, social sciences, and other sciences. Add substantial value to your research by adopting the perspective of the ecologist, anthropologist, and geologist.

Academic fields

Leiden has faculties in the fields of:

• Archaeology
• Governance and Global Affairs
• Humanities
• Medicine
• Law
• Science
• Social and Behavioural Sciences

Student support

International student advisers

The international student advisers are a good place to go when you need assistance during your stay in the Netherlands. Students in both locations of Leiden University have access to these specialised advisers. In many cases they will be able to provide the information you need, or will refer you to the relevant services. You can consult the advisers on a variety of matters, ranging from financial concerns, settling down issues, academic issues and health insurance to dealing with external housing agents or finding a family doctor.

Student counsellors

We have a number of specialised student counsellors available. They can help in legal and financial matters, but can also assist you in developing study-related skills. The skills package that is offered involves individual counselling and workshops designed to support you in your academic performance. Topics covered include thesis writing, time management, stress management and planning. Additionally, our counsellors are available to help resolve study and personal problems, should this be needed.

Departmental study advisers and coordinators

Each department has its own study advisers/coordinators who can answer questions about matters that are related to the study programme of your choice. You can consult the study adviser/coordinator on issues such as timetables, exam grades, choice of subjects and application for graduation.